World of Warcraft™

Joftrakloo rode pulled the reins to his raptor mount hard stopping the animals progression, Melon roared with impatience. The wind kicked up once again pelting sand against his armor and exposed skin. He freed a cloth from under his chin and covered his nose and mouth with it, fighting with the edges around his tusks. The sand storms in Tanaris was getting worse the farther from Gadgetzan he became.

He just wanted to put the endless rolling dunes behind him and feel a little moisture against his blue hide. He kicked Melon's ribs launching his mount forward once again.The wind howled around him cleaning the week old blood off his armor with sand. He blinked his watering eyes, complaining about the weather once again. He was a shaman and could ask the elements to ease up. He just didn't want to do that since he wasn't in dire need, just rather uncomfortable.

Finally, the sand grew darker and he started to descend into the crater. The intense heat of the desert changed to the humid heat of the jungle. "Can't catch a break," he stated in his native tongue, with a shake of his head causing his long pointed ears to sway. He kept his mind on steering Melon through the twists and turns of the winding road that lead to the floor of the Un'Goro Crater. He was itching to arrive at the camp so he can finally open the letter that was tucked in his travel pack along with his orders from the Warchief.

The sun was already setting and he didn't want to journey though this place without light, the sounds of the wild life was quieting. He unloaded his pack and set up a small camp fire before finally freeing the letter from the pocket. A smile spread over his lips at the thought of Starsweet a small Sin'dorei, with a huge attitude. He liked her instantly when they had gotten into a bit of trouble in front of Orgrimmar. They were able to spend some time together here and there during the long seasons. But mostly they wrote letters, but they had lost touch due to all that was going on with the world in general, it didn’t mean he hadn’t though of her. She had popped in his mind a lot to keep him closer to sanity. He tossed several of his waist long braids over his shoulder and carefully opened the seal, this was the first in many seasons. He wanted to savor each word.

"Dear Jof,
Hello Handsome Troll, I write this letter in hopes that you will receive it..so many have returned to me crumpled, un-opened and post-marked with many odd sounding names. I can only assume they are places you have traveled..places you have been but are no longer. I have saved them, these little bits of my life and my hopes for the future, saved them, hoping one day to sit by the lake in that old canoe and braid your hair while you read them and tease me about my antics and bad grammar. Do you have letters I have not seen, do the letters you have written me return un-opened? Do you receive the same sucker-punched feeling in the pit of your stomach that I feel each time I see my own handwriting on the outside of an envelope? If you have them, save them for me, I don't want to miss a moment of your life.

My Orcish friend, Kennedia, has informed me that I must "pull up my bootstraps" a little bit, I have been so unhappy over our last meeting that she has begun calling me "Sad Star."

The young Tauren find it funny and tease me without mercy over my swim with the "Tall Blue One." It was too bad the Spirits chose that day to begin their communications with me. Old Mother Wildmane cackled and flashed a toothless grin at me when I re-told the story of our "would be date" at the lake. She said, " The Spirits will have their way, Daughter, they will not take second place to any other..and they were teaching you this lesson."

If I can get past my resentment of having my time with you interrupted, the memory of your frantic attempts to save me still touch my heart. I could see you and all that you were doing..I could even hear your voice and all its passion..but my body nor voice was my own to control, I could not respond to you and assure you of my well-being. I will one day be free to share the visions I had that day, now however, is not that time. This world faces much, Jof, I fear we have many more adventures that we will only share in spirit and through written word.

I wanted to answer the question you asked about my choice to live amongst the Tauren so far away from the more opulent Silvermoon City. I do have family, Jof. I have some that I grieve deeply in need of their smiles and embraces. I have many fond memories of running and romping on the red carpet, chasing the magic brooms that allow no inhabitant the drudgery of manual labor.

My Mother, I may have told you, was an influential and power driven woman. She named all her daughters "Star" to remind us to ever strive for more..to continually climb higher up the ladder of power.

My Father was much more simple in his desires, laughter and love were the legacy he wished to leave his children. Father gave me the name "Sweet." I asked him why once, he said, to him " I was like the sweetness of the spring morning I was born on, full of the smell of flowers and sunshine and that my name should ever remind me to lead with my heart."

My heart and my spirit led me to the land of the Tauren, a proud, honorable and spiritual people dwelling amongst the bluffs and grasses of Kalimdor.

I have no heart for the cold beauty that is Silvermoon City.

It is the warmth of sun on my hair, the rythym of the earth beneath me, the feel of water enveloping me that causes my heart to sing.. it is a moving, breathing life that flushes my cheeks and fierce lightning blazing across the sky that makes my pulse throb..no gem or gilded cage can move me so.

I am not my Mother, I have an affinity for living as part of a breathing creation that I just can't deny.

Mother was a good woman, please don't think otherwise, she was strong and dependable, she knew the life of a highborne and wanted what she thought was "the best" for her life and mine.

My parents met in a moment of glory for my Father, he was being honored for bravery and leadership, handsome in the "almost too perfect" way of our men, he stood on the platform arrayed in the finest of silks, raven hair tied back, azure eyes flashing with passion as he described the savagery and abuse the human kind had visited on the helpless troll girl standing beside him. My father and his men had come across the girl, encircled by the mob of tormentors and swiftly relieved the filthy pack of humans of their prisoner. She could not recall her name, and my father, being the fun-loving man that he was, just called her "Pynk" for the vibrant color of the hair that jutted in every direction around the bones tied in it.

Mother stood in the receiving line that day and bowed gracefully before the dark haired hero. She then knelt before the scrawny blue skinned child beside him, looked at the girl and without thought of dignity, company or station, she hugged and pampered that child until she gained a broad grin and a shy giggle. When she stood up, her green eyes shimmered with joy and unshed tears. Father always said he loved her at that moment and would forever recall the woman he had seen within her. They married quickly and settled within the safety and pomp of Silvermoon. I believe that memory, that glimpse of a tender heart, is what enabled him to love her when the pushing, cold woman of power seemed to drive all warmth from our home. I suspect Mother loved him and was at times even shamed by her own desires for more of the material than he cared to strive for.

Pynk was adopted by my parents within months of their marriage and raised in every way as my sister. I added "Star" to her name when I was young.

She is the only link I have to my old life now. The day I had to leave Silvermoon and find my place in the world came sooner than I thought possible and when I stepped from the translocator outside of Undercity, the first thing I saw was a wild mane of hair above a pair of wise golden eyes, "I know ya didna be tink'n ya wuz leab'n dis here Pynk b'hind, now did ya?" she said in what was her best guess at a "Troll's accent".. I will admit, there was some relief mixed within my laughter.

We began that day to walk our own life paths, we boarded the zeplin for Orgrimmar together. We explored the city all day and danced with Horde soldiers late into the night. Keeping an eye out for one another we wandered the banks of Southfury river and talked of our plans. She had met several young trolls of the Darkspear tribe and would travel to a nearby village with them to learn a little more of her heritage. I would travel on to the Tauren land, to answer the increasingly demanding call of the very same Spirits who so selfishly interrupted our plans that day on the lake.

I have many questions to ponder while sitting in this Tauren sized canoe... did the Spirits know I would meet you that day? Did they approve of our action against that warrior outside of Orgrimmar? What did you think the first time you saw me? Where did that little Gob-man go? Bear? Beast? What was his name anyway? Have you two ever crossed paths again? When will this world stop fighting and allow us to see something other than war? Will we ever cross paths and share more than a stolen moment of laughter? I suppose all young women daydream..

Old Mother Wildmane is calling me now, I must go, she says I am to never keep the Spirits waiting, I must honor their wishes above even my own.

Let me hear from you soon, Jof. Until we meet again, remember you are never alone, my spirit is in the sunlight that blinds your enemies and the lightning that shields you in battle. It is my path, I serve the Just and the Light.
Your Paladin, Ss "

Jof,

My last letter has not returned to me, nor have I received news of you and your adventures. I have decided to write anyway, in hopes that you have begun your journey home..maybe a surprise visit? A girl can hope!

I had my hair cut today and pulled a sexy red dress from the back of the closet. There is to be a social gathering at The Broken Tusk. I don't think it will be very well attended, and have even thought of just going in my usual, "ready for war" attire. The thought of being the only one to go prancing through the streets of Orgrimmar in a skimpy little red gown is somewhat daunting..yet.. I guess that is exactly why I will be doing it! *stubborn smile* Older, yes..less spirited..no.

As I was entering the salon, I heard a voice from home calling me, seems he too has left Silvermoon to find his place in the world.. I invited him to attend our gathering this evening while he helped me choose a new hair cut. My locks are gone, short and sophisticated is the new look for me, but not for long, my hair grows fast and I like a more natural look most of the time. I was feeling playful and rather school-girlish, so I let him choose. *laughing at myself*

We walked over to the waterfall and sat for a while and talked of the past. I shared things with him that I generally reserve for my private diaries. I guess, I felt a kindred spirit in him. Someone who must let go of the pains of the past and move to a place of taking back their life. I have walked that path often. Who am I kidding? I have lived that path. *shrug* Anyway, maybe the two of you will meet sometime and become companions in adventure, should you come home and should he stay.

Well, I guess I will end this now, it is my turn on patrol, and I truly should be paying more attention when this far from camp and the safety of others... daring is one thing..foolish is another. *scowls while probing the shadows in search of threat*

warm smiles, Ss

Joft smiled remembering the swim he had taken with his friend, it was indeed a beautiful day and Star had been distant. He had thought they had grown apart and she was finding some way to show or tell him this fact. Or the news she had fallen in love with some sin’dorei that he would feel inclined to hunt down and kill.

Joft sighed and shook his head, he wouldn’t do that because it would cause her pain. He had steeled himself against the possibility of their relationship being anything more than a close friendship. “Yes,” he whispered in Zandali. “I have all my letters tucked away safely in my vault. I hated the return of them and felt sick with worry when they didn’t reach you.”

He remember vividly saving her from whatever was hurting her, he had pleaded with the elementals to save her life. They had come through as they always did when he was in such desperate need. Joft closed his eyes at that moment and humbly thanked them once more.

He found his pencil and some paper he had purchased at Gadgetzan before leaving the goblin town. He shifted his long limbs to gain some light upon the papers, he started his letter.

Star,
Your letter did find me after the breathless messenger collapsed before me holding out the envelope from you. I gave the poor lad a nice tip for his efforts and watched him head straight for the nearest vendor to purchase something for his dry throat. I would have sent this letter to you much sooner but I was caught by a few of my friends and they talked me into a mountain of horror. We were caught in that horrid place for nearly a month, our little time at the lake was all I had to keep me from going insane.

But that aside, I am in the crater sweating off more weight I packed on during my short stay with my mother. Her cooking is far too good to pass up and it has been many seasons since I tasted some of her home cooking. There I happened upon a few old friends that have stayed near Echo Islands, they had to tease me of course about how I live my life and the elements I follow. It is still ingrained in some minds to practice voodoo and bend to the wills of the spirits of our ancestors.

Enough of that, I won’t bore you with troll history.

As for daydreaming, yes I think that is something all creatures do. I often find myself putting myself in different paths of life in effort to justify the horror I see every day. “

Joft paused in his writing and glanced about the darkness that was around him, he added more wood to the dying campfire. He would have to find a way to see Star again and catch up on all her news. The last time was stolen by the spirits and he had to accept that.

A snort close behind him chilled his blood, he reached for his weapons as the wild raptor roared. The letter went flying as he protected himself from this predator.

The shaman gathered the papers once the creature was dead, he knew it wouldn’t be safe to remain there much longer. He stomped out the fire and packed everything on Melon, braving the swamp to the camp in the moonlight.

Once there, he signed his name to the pages and gave it to the innkeeper to send to Starsweet.

“Troll,” one of the many goblins called. “I need a favor.”

“What would dat be?”

“I’ll pay for a taxi to Orgrimmar if you deliver this for me.”

Joft took the small package and shrugged. “Sure,” he said.

Walking from the corner table they had been sharing with a Goblin friend, Star forced herself to refrain from turning to see if he watched her walk away. Did he hope she would turn for one more smile?

Going upstairs to the tiny room she had reserved for the night she contemplated the thought of just putting on her boots and making the trek home.

Sitting on the cot, she looked around the sparse little room and sighed, she needed to go for a swim. The lake at Bloodhoof had become her refuge on those restless nights she was unable to sleep, the dreams, the hopes, the fears, they all seemed to crowd in on her when she was alone in her bed.

Slipping the clinging silk of her red dress over her waist and hips she stepped out of it, frustration evident in the way she shoved it in her backpack, had he even noticed the damn thing?

The Broken Tusk had been pretty crowded that evening and Star had known several of the soldiers gathered there. Some had been her companions in battle and had openly stared at her when she appeared clothed in the silky, form fitting dress.

She almost managed a laugh when recalling one soldiers quiet comment,

" Star, I like your dress, but tell me, does it provide much protection in battle?"

She had given an honest laugh then and admitted it certainly would not.

Head held high, she had approached the bar and bought the battle veteran a glass of Eversong Wine.

Either he was too much of a gentleman to notice, or she had managed to hide the hot blush of being scrutinized by those only accustomed to seeing her sporting boots and wielding her, scaled to size, claymore.

"Damn Troll! I may take my sword to him!"

Fuming she grabbed her tunic and forced it over her head, shoving her feet into her boots, she stomped down the stairs and out the front door of the Inn without making eye contact with anyone.

It was too late to make the trip back to the village so she headed toward the Valley of Wisdom. A band of Tauren lived in Orgrimmar and there was a waterfall close to their small area of the city; she would have her swim afterall.

Green eyes searching the shadows for any sign of danger, she walked the darkened streets of the city.
Late as it was, there were people out, some happily sharing a last moment with friends and lovers, others, avoiding the lonliness that would come with admitting the day was over.

Sliding the last boot off, she eased into the cool water without making a splash.

Heading to the deepest and most hidden part of the little lake had her close to the waterfall, so close that the sound of water colliding with water was able to drown out all but her thoughts.

Easing onto her back, Star lifted misty eyes to the sky over Orgrimmar and thought the evening over. Why did she feel so frustrated? So, what ..well, what did she feel? ... Uneasy? Alone?

Pushing off with strong legs she struck out across the lake. Several laps around and across the cool water and the tension began to ease. The pleasure of her body being enclosed in the silent world and the physical activity combined to soothe her.

Maybe, some water spirit had chosen her..the comfort and control she felt when in the water never ceased to amaze her. A thoughtful pucker to her lips made her eyebrows draw down, maybe she would ask Old Mother Wildmane about it when she got home.

Pulling up on rocks half hidden behind the waterfall, she lay back and allowed her breathing to slow and her mind to wander.

Star had been dancing with a flirty little goblin when Jof had entered the Broken Tusk.

Her back to the door had not hidden his presence from her, by now she had learned to recognize the tingling flush that surged through her as the tall troll's signature calling card.

As soon as the dance was over, she had joined the group which now included Jof, and allowed her heart to live in the smile she gave him with her shy greeting.

Why was it that she had buried her blade in countless enemies of the Horde, blazed into Arathi, with shouts of, "For the Warchief!" ...but, when those amber eyes quietly turned on her she felt completely undone and vulnerable?

Before the familiar ache could consume her, she pushed back into the water for a few more passes around the lake and headed back to her little rented room.

The sun rose as she dried her hair and prepared to catch the zeplin back Thunder Bluff. Her cousin Kyndlyn, was due in from Silvermoon today. Star smiled at the thought of the fiery haired mage and the adventures they had shared growing up. Tonight would surely be filled with shared laughter and quiet confidences.

Yes, today would be a good day, smiling brightly, Star tipped the waitress for her coffee and rushed to catch the flight back to Mulgore.

With the morning air still crisp enough to chill her skin, Star stood as close to the edge as possible and allowed herself to pretend she was alone flying over the greens and blues of the land. The zeplin was not fast but it was a peaceful way to enter the bluffs and she enjoyed it.

Arriving at Spirit Rise, she found herself thinking of Jof and softly singing his song.

A secretive little laugh escaped her, maybe she should tell him he had a song? One day I will, she shrugged.

"Desperado." Everytime she listened to the song she pictured Jof alone somewhere beside a campfire or holed up in some cave with only his raptor to talk to.

Letting go of the less than stellar night before, she eased onto her horse and started for the village. The spirited bay gave a soft whinny to accompany the lyrics she began humming again, and responding to her easy hand he made the short trip quickly.

Watching Mercury munch the sweet grass with the kodo after she unsaddled him made her chuckle, he was so big to her, yet so small beside the kodo that the Tauren used for mounts.

"Star, you're home!" came the excited shout of a young lass circling the village on her imaginary horse.

"Hi Sweetwater," Star said as she hugged the small tauren girl close, even at such a young age,warmth and strength were in the return hug the child gave her.

"Mama said to tell you that you received a letter from the tall blue one and she left it in your room."

A letter from Jof? She had just seen him.. must have been written and mailed before he made the trip in..he hadn't mentioned it last night, she frowned, then shrugged, well, last night, like the time at the lake had suffered too much distraction for much conversation.

"Tell your mother that I said thank you and I will stop by later for a visit." With one last pat on Sweetwater's tan shoulder, Star rushed up the stairs and to the letter from Jof.

The old innkeeper smiled to himself when she rushed through humming a song he assumed must be her favorite.. Spirits knew she sang it often enough!

Joft opened his eyes, he had seen her again a pleasant surprise to find her with others in the Broken Tusk. Again though, her attention was elsewhere due to the social gathering they were attending. She had looked radiant in that gown she had worn which gave him tingles everytime she brushed passed him.

A knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts, he moved swiftly to the door and grinned at the grim faces that met him. “What’s wrong?”

His Aunt and cousin, YumYum, glanced at each other as Aunt wiped the tears from her eyes. She was slow to form the words that caused her such grief. “It’s Zandi.”

Joft grabbed her shoulders and gave her time to form the words. “He was playing near the edge of the village and was stung. There was nothing anyone could do.”

The shaman’s knees buckled as if the universe just sucker punched him. His vision spun and felt hands leading him to a chair in the room. “Is,” was all he could get passed his lips.

“We buried him right and proper, his grandfather tended to the rights. We couldn’t find you.”

“How could you,” he snapped. “He was my son.”

“I am sorry, Joftra. After three days and the rites would have done him little good.”

Joft let out a sigh and nodded, he knew she spoke the truth and it was his own fault for not being there for his baby boy. They sat with him and tried to comfort the mourning father, at his request they left him alone. Joft went downstairs and bought several bottles of hard liquor wanting to numb the pain in his heart.

After waking up near a half dried glob of vomit he knew this wasn’t the answer. He returned to his room pacing, growling and throwing things about. Out of anger he conjured a fire totem which magically planted itself into the floor. The warmth pulsed through him and he made another gesture and a wind totem plopped in front of him. The two elements that he was the closest to, the ones he served the most. He felt as if they were his personal guides in this world. “Why?” He bellowed to no one. He fell to his knees before the tiki wind totem grabbing the mask, the pulse of healing radiated down his arms. “Why take my boy?”

“Joftrakloo,” a breeze whispered in his ear, it took a while for him to calm himself enough to listen. “My dear servant.”

“I can’t go on,” he said barely above a whisper.

“My child,” the wind continued soothenly. “It was his time to return to this realm. Little Zandi is happy and free from pain.”

Guilt slammed against him like cold stone, his strong body shook with sobs. The memories of the fight with Lueanne that was so biting and mean, it wasn’t anything new, the two always fought about everything. This time she went into premature labor, Zandi was born so tiny a fragile. The fires warmth crept into his body stilling the guilt and horrific memories of days gone by. “No,” the flames roared inside his mind. “Do not take full blame, she knew what she was doing.”

Joft didn’t understand the meaning of those words, he tucked them away for later. “You have much to do,” the wind whispered. His thoughts melted and formed into a peaceful lake, the sun dancing on the ripples caused by a swimmer. Joft felt the familiar tingle through his body as the sin’dorei’s head broke the surface. He gripped the totem harder as the elements presences started to fade, his heart longed for the paladin’s strength and shy smiles.”Your path intertwined with hers. She will face many headships and you must be her strength.”

Joft opened his eyes a moment before the totem vanished. He swallowed hard and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He would miss his son, but he also wanted to live a life worthy of his memory. He gathered his things as peace swept swept into his heart. He had a path set before him, one that made his whole body pulse with life. Starsweet.

Once out of the inn, he took a deep breath. Sadness lingered about his child’s death, he had more to fulfill in this life before he could be with his baby boy again. That thought gave him more courage and peace.

“Joft!” A young voice cried before he was tackled by a young troll with vivid yellow and orange hair.

The shaman blinked several times before he recognized the head that was attached to the clinging arms. “YumYum,” he said as the young kid with drew from his embrace. “Hey, kiddo.”

“Ma said she had seen ya last night looking a little green,” he giggled and bounced around in a ball of energy that was him. He stopped and turned to his older cousin. “She wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“I am, the elements are good to this troll. Tell her not to worry, Zandi is in good hands. I be going kid,” he stated in orcish and left the cousin standing in the road. The shaman swung on Melon and headed toward the top level of the toward the airships and a very good friend of his. Though it was not clear how to help Starsweet, he would find a way.

Lost in her thoughts, Starsweet didn't notice the human until she felt the slam of his hammer driving her to the sea floor. " Alright, ya' wee-pisser of a male! So be it!," she sputtered. Her axe was already midway through its arc when she surfaced, it was not a long fight, and for that, she was thankful.

Retrieving some stolen goods for that little- money- grubbin- goblin had seemed like a simple enough task.

She snorted to herself, " Hmph, I guess he didn't feel the need to mention the goods were gaurded by humans." Maybe, I ought to forget to put my axe away before my next talk with him," she grumbled into the wind and sand hitting her in the face.

Alert now, she finished her task and mounted Mercury for the short trip back to her new home.

"Home," she sighed, the thought brought a soft and sad smile to her stinging lips.

So much had happened, so quickly, she felt almost overwhelmed.

Entering the Inn, she went straight for her pack, grabbing a fresh cotton dress she darted out the door before anyone could ask, " Just one more thing from you, Paladin."

Past the docks and into the water, Star was deep into the blue before she slowed down to rub the shell of a giant tortoise bobbing the surface beside her. Flipping onto her back she let her hair and limbs splay out, giving her the appearance of a starfish. Well, if ever there was a starfish with long, silky, obsidian hair, laughing at her imaginations, she closed her eyes and let the water soothe and support her.

Tanaris. She was in Tanaris with Jof and Jof was her mate.

That thought, sent lightning bolts of joy and heat through the muscles in her body, she found herself spitting salt water for the second time in under an hour. Kicking to the surface, she forced the pent up air out slowly and began the slow rythmic strokes that would take her back to shore.

Slipping the light dress over her damp skin she found a place to sit, in the warm rocks nearby.

Glancing over the shimmering surface of the water she decided she could stay here a bit if Jof wanted to.

Just not at the Inn she hoped, the ever present keeper and the sight of bloody pig did not appeal to her.

Joftrakloo. What a beautiful, strong Troll he was. Tender and considerate when he listened to her frustrations about the duties she sometimes found tiring, but would never give up, well, unless she had to choose between them and her life with him.

A mountain of strength in battle, raising his hands and calling on his elementals to both destroy and restore. Star loved that about him, he never sought to force himself to the front of the line..didn't demand recognition from fellow soldiers, didn't pander and shout for attention, instead, he let his strength and power speak through his deeds.

Respect had much to do with Love, she decided...and she had much of both emotions for the tall blue troll with thick braids and amber eyes.

She had seen him weakened from grief, weary from the night of abuse he had heaved on himself when he learned of little Zandi's death. Swimming in the cool water of the lake, had not stopped the feeling of being consumed by fire when she had heard his painful rage on the voice of the wind. Startled, she had ran to Old Mother Wildmane and told her all she had felt and heard.

Silent for a long while, Old Mother had watched the flames of her cook fire cast shadows on Stars hair.

"Daughter," she sighed wearily, "I am not allowed to tell you what you must do. Nor, may I tell you the outcome of your choice. The Spirits have spoken. I cannot break faith with them. I can only say, this Troll of yours will never be gone from your heart. He has claimed your life as his own. His spirit will shadow all the days of Starsweet's pathwalk. The Tall Blue One will either complete you or will destroy you, Child."

Old Mother had tears in her brown eyes when Star hugged her and headed back to the lake.

Lifting her face to the wind she saw him coming for Starsweet and knew the sight of the tiny Sin' dorei bobbing on the waters surface would be missed by many in the tribe.

Old Mother had went back inside letting the flap of leather fall shut behind her..

"Elements." she muttered, "You need not be thinking I am not watching my girl."

A gust of wind caused her cooking fire to spring high and fill the room with warmth and light.

Smiling a toothless smile, Old Mother voiced her thoughts, "Fire and Light."

Once back to the lake, she slipped into the water and tried to ease the sense of dread from her heart and spirit, lap after lap in the chilled water could not stop the burning she felt on her skin or the burden she felt inside.

The tingling flush that always came with his arrival did not surprise her this time, she was heading to the shore long before he raised his hand in greeting.

"Jof," she hugged him close, "What is wrong?"

He had then hung his head and told her of his Son's death.

Unable to remain distant from him, either physically or emotionally, she had made him stay in her arms, head resting on her lap as he talked, she listened and gave what comfort she could offer.

They had not spoken of any change in their relationship, there had been no momentous moment that made them stand still in their tracks and decide to risk refusal, to risk ridicule and predjudice..at least no moment Star knew of.

When he had gone, she sat on the shore of the lake knowing this would be her last night to call Bloodhoof Village home. She would find him. Go to the Troll for better or for worse, she would walk the path her heart and spirit demanded.

Relief and apprehension waged a war within her all through the night and into the next day.

Hearing his voice as he answered her unspoken summons in Orgrimmar had at last given her some relief. Enough to laugh and tease him into sharing his feelings.

Recalling the day, there were moments that would forever be etched in her memory.. unbeknownst to him, he had saved her the hardship of trying to tell an eight foot tall troll that he was her Life Mate and was going to perform the ceremony she required one way or another, by announcing himself ,that they were going to be married. Laughing behind her eyes, she had even saucily taunted him about the announcement.. how he had not asked her, just made up his mind..all the while relieved that he had "beat her to the punch" so to speak!

Star gave a lighthearted little laugh, would she ever share this secret with Jof? Probably not!

The most beautiful moment was also the most difficult for her, apparently his culture required the prospective bride and groom to enter a ring of onlookers and battle it out for dominance in the relationship before marriage. While she respected and admired much of what she had seen of his culture and loved the easy and happy approach to life they exhibited at times, she had no intention of beating him with a club to prove her control over him before his friends and family.

Damn his blue hide if he had given thought to beating her into submission! She would give her all freely..but nothing..nothing would be taken from her!

No, she didn't want a man who was a puppy licking her feet and peeing down both legs at the sound of her roar.

No, she would not be ruled over and subservient to a male.

Her man would be the man she had met and he would forever wake up to the woman he had met. Both must die so that both might live in the new state of Life Mates. Neither gave or received more or less. This is what she brought to him and this would be what she expected from him.

They had talked and both agreed on the ceremony that suited this coupling of "Fire and Light" ..first she had shed herself of all protective barriers, lastly laying her weapon and herself at his feet, in recognition of her vulnerability to him and his power to give and to take from her life, then he had repeated the act for her.

The suddeness of their actions gave no time for preparations or leave of duty.

The Warchief congratulated her and then gave her orders for Tanaris. His desire to bless his soldiers did move him to give orders that allowed them to live where and when as they pleased so long as they did not neglect their assigned duties.

Arriving late, Jof had been thankful for the food and Star had been thrilled to see the beckoning blue of the water.

Their pathwalk as Fire and Light had begun.......

Near the waterfall in Orgrimmar, Starsweet had given her heart and soul to him. He returned the gesture happy, but not as graceful as she did. He wanted her to somehow feel the joy and overwhelming love he had for her. That moment seemed to dawn on him of how he was to care for her, to protect her.

As he waited for his elf to speak to the warchief, he let his mind wander to other things. The horrific memories of Lueanne popped in his brain. Her hateful sneer and continual badgering, they had been far to young to become mates both had been pushed into the union and hated the other for it. Zandi was the only thing that kept him glued to the past. His little boy, Joft’s soul still mourned the loss.

He felt a tingle against his soul, his vision blurred until he saw his baby laughing as he ran after a corehound pup. The light blue hair streaming behind him, flowers and tall grasses swayed playfully in the breeze. Zandi picked up a stick and tossed for the pup before the vision fades. “I’m happy, Papa,” came a whisper from the fading stillness. “I love you.”

Joft blinked the tears from his eyes, whispering thanks to the elements. He was complete in his happiness.

The wind grw louder around him and the voice of his Star grew stronger. He couldn’t have made it to this place of peace without her. He realized how much he had been living for her. She gave him the region she was being sent and he headed straight for the flightmaster.

He enjoyed the swim in the deep waters of Thousand Needles. Playfully swimming around Starsweet, her strength radiating off her in all directions. He found himself grinning, unable to stop.

Neither were too happy about living at the Inn, but it would do for now. They slept together that night, Starsweet tucked safely against him. When he woke he found her gone, her love was whispered in the wind. Duty waited for no one, or took holidays.

Joft donned on his armor and weapons and left the inn, swinging on the saddle of Meeca his flyer. The wyvern and several yards before leaping into the air, the large wings flapping hard to raise off the ground properly. Joft pointed them north, he needed to do something before attending to his own duties.

Sin’Jin’s drummers were already setting the beat of the day, he wanted to dance with his fellow tribesmen and be swallowed up in the rhythm. He dismounted and let Meeca wander about sniffing things. He moved toward his parents hut, he parted the hanging beads eyeing the empty space. He shrugged and moved up the steps to the second story flat. He found the worn chest and pulled it out from under the shelf, he mentally released the lock and opened it. He dug through the things he felt were important to keep until he found two golden tusk rings.

“Jo, what are you doing?” Pari asked.

Joft glanced over his shoulder at his younger sister, who’s hair had been lightened to a brilliant yellow. “Hello dere,” he said shutting the chest and reestablishing the magic seal on it before shoving it back where he found it.

“You not answered my question,” she pointed out. “Mama doesn’t like us sneaking about.”

Joft chuckled as he rose, it was hard for a eight foot troll to sneak anywhere. “I not sneakin’ about,” he told her moving passed her to the stairs.

“What ya doin’ wif dose?”

Joft gripped the tusk rings a little harder hoping she wouldn’t see them. “I be wearin’ dem.”

“Jo,” she said following him down the steps. “Only does wif mates wear dem.”

“Exactly,” he growled.

“Lueanne died many seasons ago,” she continued as they came to the main room of the hut.

“Lueanne not be my mate,” he answered seeing his mother coming closer to the doorway.

“Huh?” Pari continued. “Who den?”

“Who den what?” Loola asked setting her basket on the table. “Hello, son.”

“Mama,” he said giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Mama,” Pari whined. “Jo got da tusk bands out.”

Joft rolled his eyes. “Did he now?” She turned from the basket and folded her arms in front of her chest. “I not heard of any wedding plans, boy.”

“Wedding?” Trak asked stepping into the hut. “Who being beat?”

“Jo, Papa,” Pari answered. “He has his rings.”

Joft wanted to punch his sister, he merely sighed knowing this was going to come out. It would be best it if was now. “So,” Trak boomed with a large grin around his massive tusks. “Jiffy talked to ya about his daughter den?”

Joft wrinkled his nose, that was the last female he wanted to share anything with. “Such a look,” Loola stated with a tisk. “So, who be my daughter?”

Joft blinked at his mother with a half smile. Loola plucked the rings from her son’s hands and clasped them on the short tusks of her son. “Starsweet,” he answered almost dreamily. “My star, my beloved.”

“Oh, dis is sick,” Pari grumbled sitting at the table toying with the basket.

“Dat’s not very troll like of a name,” Trak stated.

“She isn’t troll,” Joft answered touching the golden bands around his tusks. “She is Sin’dorei.”

“What?” Trak boomed glaring at his war harden son, the two males glared at each other for a many moments.

“You heard me Papa,” Joft said through gritted teeth.

“An elf?” Pari said suddenly interested in the conversation again.

Loola manually turned her son to face her, waving at her mate to be silent. “Are you sure dis be what you want?”

“More dan anyt’ing.”

“Den she be welcomed, I see da joy in your eyes.” Trak stormed out of the hut grumbling to himself. “Stay and eat, I be wanting to hear all about your elf.”

“I can’t Mama, I have to return to Oulands.”

Loola nodded. “Go. Make us proud, my son,” she stated and kissed his cheeks before the shaman left the hut.

Joft saw his father sitting near a clump of trees, arms crossed and muttering to himself. He knew better than try and speak with him now. Trak didn’t take well to change. Joft whistled for Meeca, he had demons to slay. He grinned as the pair flew toward Orgrimmar, a finger went to a tusk and the ring clinging to it. He had a very scary future spread before him, with Star with him it didn’t seem so empty.

Through the seething sands of Tanaris she raged..nothing that came in her sight would live to decribe the pain in her eyes before she killed.. Ogres who were to be bribed or worse case, beaten into submission, instead were buried in the sands before nightfall.

When she had been ordered to recover the artifacts and thin the numbers in the Dwarf camp..instead she left a silent and desolate place behind her.

Titans, crockolisk, vipers and silithid...everything that moved across her path paid the ultimate price.

The war waged on. A mountain of pain smothered her day and night and no amount of spent rage seemed to relieve her of the burden.

"No more!" Meg shouted at her. "You go now! Go to the jungles..go to the waters..but leave here!" Sighing, the petite little goblin dropped down beside Star and let her big brown eyes travel around the little house with pineapple wallpaper. Star had rented the tiny house from Meg's uncle so she and Jof would not have to stay at the Inn.

Meg turned to face Star and saw that she too was gazing around the room, green eyes flooded into pools of pain, "You cannot stay here tonight, Star. " Meg's voice was barely more than a whisper.

Anger warred with friendship in the look Star gave Meg. Reaching into her pack she withdrew a large sack and tossed it to Meg, "This ought to keep the locals off my tail..see to it, will ya?" without waiting for the goblins reply, she stomped out of the home she and Jof had so briefly shared.

A shrill whistle had Mercury under her and out of the gate before Meg could form a goodbye for her friend.

There was no mercy in the way Starsweet entered Un Goro Crater. She had barely left the shimmering white behind her before she killed the first ravasaur.

Tears stung her eyes, and fear gagged her..she was alone in this place, surrounded by monstor sized lizards and God knew what else.. yet all she could think of was Jof..and her only fear was that she had lost him.

Old Mothers words pounded in her head.." He will either complete you or destroy you."

The sobs that choked her now seemed to come from another person..someone crippled, in pains of death or worse.. her heart could not accept that he had left her.

Sitting next to the still warm body of the creature she had so willfully slain, she cried until there was nothing left inside her..nothing but images of a tall blue troll laying his weapon at her feet and swearing that as long as she lived she would not be alone..he would be by her side...

Standing up, she mounted Mercury and pushed deeper into the crater..refusing to notice the empty space beside her..

Joft was surrounded by the fel orcs, he was on a rescue mission and believed he could use some help himself. He was surrounded by the red fleshed orcs, his armor could only protected him so much. Now the sharp blades were slicing deeper into muscles, hitting bone and tearing into organs. Joft fell against the hard orange ground and the barray of strikes ended, several of the orc’s scoffed at him one even kicked him in the ribs. Joft closed his eyes waiting for the killing blow, which never came.

The shaman grinned faintly as the orcs left him for dead. Apparently these ones hadn’t delt with trolls often. His body grew warmer as his natural regeneration kicked into high gear, the pin of the wounds webbed away thus he only felt the warm blood oozing from the gashes. He chanted softly and the healing spell washed over him aiding in the knitting of the tons of wounds all over his body.

Carefully, he pushed himself off the hard ground by the time he had gotten a few paces away he felt the pull of the tender skin of the newly healed flesh. Stiffness settled in followed closely with a deep exhaustion that would have him asleep in about a hour wanted or not.

A rush from the earth below him, alerted him to the near silent footfalls, he zipped behind a pile of crates. He gritted his teeth as he gripped his weapons, waiting for a fight and praying it would not come.

“Find the troll,” a voice boomed. “I want his head on a spike!”

Joft felt his odds of leaving this orc camp alive just grew slimmer. His amber eyes drifted over the massive wall in front of him as he listened to the gathering orcs behind the crates. Search parties were assembled with the idea that he had ran toward the settlement beyond their camp. The shaman used the time to center himself and relax somewhat as he listened to the chaos behind him grow quieter. He peeked around one to see a lonely orc pacing around the bodies Joft has killed. Joft moved back and weighed his options, more would come to replace the fallen very soon. This was the best time for him to attempt his escape.

The troll readied himself and jumped over the crates, both daggers swinging and smashing into the orc’s shoulder. The orc turned slamming a heavy fist into the trolls chest which nearly knocked the wind out of him. Joft fell back a few steps dropping his weapons as another blow slammed into the side of his face. The shaman blinked his vision clear and dropped to retrieve his weapons, the orc slammed a knee into his back flatting him to the ground. The orc dug the knee into Joft’s back as he grabbed a handful of the braids forcing his head back. “Die,” the orc ordered as a sharp edge sliced the flesh of Joft’s neck.

Starsweet sat in the little room above the Broken Tusk and waited for her future to unfold.

She had been deep in Un' Goro Crater, unleashing her wounded soul on its inhabitants when the messenger found her. "Report to me in Orgrimmar. Now!" written in the strong, bold script of Hellscream himself.

The messenger, a male of her own kind, had handed over the missive, and allowed his distaste for her battle weary appearance to show in the once over he gave her.

Tilting her chin higher she had allowed her eyes to issue a challenge to him; to say anything..any word ..that would give her cause for battle.

He stared at her a moment longer and returned to his mount. " I am to escort you back immediately, he muttered."

Star shrugged, threw her meager belongings on the back of Mercury and nodded her agreeance.

That was 3 days ago. She had been escorted to the Inn and informed she was to stay until she was called for. Waiting had never been her strong- suit, but when Garrosh Hellscream, Warchief of the Horde, ordered her to wait, she waited.

In Grammash Hold, Master Pyreanor listened as the Warchief raged over Starsweet's actions in Tanaris.

Hellscream bellowed. "She has willfully disobeyed my commands. She has half the residents of that seething pile of sand demanding retribution from the Horde." "The goblins there even demand gold, claiming she has destroyed lucrative connections for them by killing that group of dwarves."

"Yes, Warchief, of course you are correct in being angry. Starsweet has been out of control, allowed her emotions to rule her....but, it is the fault of that so called mate..that bloody wind chanter, that blue troll Joftrakloo. He has brought her to this! "

Master Pyreanor, paced back and forth before the Warchief as he warmed to the topic, "She a Sin' dorei Paladin, choosing a totem-toting- elemental-chanting -troll is beyond me! She should..."

Hellscreams harsh laugh interrupted the Paladin's ranting, leering at the elf male before him, he spoke slowly, "You are correct elf..it is her heart that is leading her ..not that Light you go on about tirelessly..and that irks you. Starsweet makes no secret of her preference for the more manly races amongst our Horde males. I do believe I would have stood a better chance with her than you."

With a wave of his hand and a mocking laugh, the Warchief sent the paladin from him.

He grew silent as he recalled the day of Star's mating to Joftrakloo. Starsweet had come to him, bowed gracefully and shared the news that she and Jof were mated and requested that this be taken into consideraition when she received her next assignment.

Hellscream's face softened slightly at the remembrance of her vibrant smile and flushed cheeks when giving him the details of their ceremony.

"Send for the elf!" he growled.

In the end, Starsweet had been ordered to take a leave of duty...and leave!

Without thought, she went to her sister in Shadowprey Village. The water and the trolls with their easy approach to life had seduced her older sister, Starbringer, long ago, so she had a little place there where she stayed when not in the service of the Horde.

The "Stars" had met on the pier and hugged each other close.

Both bearers of the same heritage, both sharing the Light, each felt the strength of the other and sought to give aid and bring equality to the other.

With her hand on her sister's shoulder, Starbringer said, "Come Sweets, come sit with me by the water and share your heart..there is a shadow in you that the Light wishes to remove.

Sweets. How long had it been since she had been called that? Starsweet wondered.

Briefly, she thought of her childhood, her parents and the love she bore for her family.

Briefly, because, as he had every day since the day they met outside of Orgrimmar's gates, the tall blue troll with amber eyes captured her thoughts and before she realized it she had poured her heart out on her sister's shoulder.

How long had she been here? She realized she wasn't exactly sure, she remembered the bitter tea her sister had insisted she drink that night and falling asleep for the first time in days. Days and nights of tears and torment had taken their toll on her body. Rest and healing were coming slowly.

Sitting on the steps of her sister's house gazing out to sea, she thought of Jof, his strong face, his musky male scent and the warmth that she felt in his nearness.

Remembering the romantic pic-nic he had arranged for them, tears slid in a silent stream down her pale cheeks, threatening to wash away the soft smile she wore, as she relived the pleasure and beauty of their discoveries in the warm sand of Tanaris.

Her heart repeated the promises he had made to her as they cuddled in each others arms.

His voice low and husky in her ear had warmed her and soothed her to sleep later that night, in their little house with pineapples on the walls.

Starsweet pulled a shirt from her bag, alone on the steps, she was shivering in the whispering breeze.

With no thought for the present, she sat lost in her memories, smelling the salt from the sea and tasting the salt of her tears...

Tried as he might, Joft couldn’t reach his dagger. The shaman whispered a chant and a fire totem appeared pulsing with flames, a bolt slammed onto the orc’s shoulder. The fel orc paused his murdering to glance at the small wooden mask as another slammed against his armor. “Is that all you got?” He sneered and the grip on the trolls braids loosen as the orc moved to slap at the totem.

Joft grabbed the wrist and forced the blade away from his throat and elbowed the orc in the ribs with his free elbow. He swung his head back and hit the orc in the nose, hot demon tainted blood poured over his skull. The orc made a noise of surprise as the troll rolled to the left enough to grab his dagger and slammed the blade to the hilt into the males thigh stopping at the bone. The orc’s fist bounced off the trolls shoulder. “I’ll kill you for that!”

Joft’s neck was surrounded by to very large hands squeezing, the shaman freed the dagger as he struggled to to breath. He felt the heat of the orc’s breath on his left ear and he stabbed at the orc’s face. The dagger penetrated the eye and sliced into the brain, the grip tightened for a few heartbeats before the orc toppled over. The troll wiggled out from under the corpse and gasped for breath, he wiped a bloody hand over his face smearing it over his flesh.

He saw the three goblins and the sin’dorei rogue running away from the encampment, the mission was complete. He had done his part of keeping most of the orc’s busy, he started his chant. He had to escape this place before more damage could be inflicted.

Joft gasped at the change in climate, Tanaris actually felt cooler than Hellfire. He quickly moved to the house that Star rented to find a goblin sitting in the middle of the floor. “Yea? What do you want?”

“Starsweet,” he said slowly, the goblin merely blinked at the bloody troll. “Where is she?”

“Not here,” she said with a shrug. When the troll didn’t move she growled at him “Go, your are dripping entrails all over the floor.”

Joft glanced down to see a few drops of blood nothing more, he gritted his teeth. A corner of a piece of paper caught his eye half hidden under the bed. The note he had written for Starsweet before his hasty return to duty. He swore he had placed it on the table, but he apparently had dropped it in his haste with his armor. “Where than?”

“I don’t know. Now leave or I’m calling the guards.”

The shaman left feeling a little more need to find her, she might have though he abandoned her or something. They barely started their life together and he had already messed it up. He moved toward the wall finding a quiet corner to sit. He took several cleansing breaths and let his mind and heart open to the energies of the elements cascading around him. The wind blew over the rolling dunes of the desert, alive and with a mournful wail. The whole region was touched and he could not sense the paladin's light. He coxed the wind toward the crater which also was void of the other half of his soul. “Starsweet,” he whispered in frustration. “Where are you hiding?” He called to the wind once again to search Thunderbluff and the region round about. Still nothing.

Joft started to release his mind from the powerful wind when something tickled the back of his mind. He felt the wind caressing the mournful Starsweet near the ocean, he mentally rode the element to the place where she was weeping. “Shadowprey,” he said forcing his legs to work. He sprung Meeca from the stables and the pair was airborne in record time, the troll dozed as his faithful mount flew toward his love.

Meeca landed hard on the dock, the wind whistled around him trying to support the overtaxed shaman. The flightmaster called for help, and the guards came to the trolls aid. Joft saw that Meeca was being fed and watered and he assured the guards that he was healing. “I have to find a sin’dorei paladin.”

One of them pointed toward the village and he moved inland, he search was rather frantic until his gaze landed upon the object of his affection. She was sitting alone on steps, looking fragile and unloved. “Star,” he whispered moving a few steps closer to his beloved.